Engine radiator MISHIMOTO or OEM Volkswagen

I usually Autox and track my rx8. My last event it was 90 outside and after fueling and a run my temp was only 205. I do have an aluminum misimoto radiator

Replaced it with that exact same Mishimoto rad and have had zero issues with the fitment or durability for 10+ years and 60k miles later. I believe I saved ~$600 or so by not pursuing OEM replacement.

I got the mishi rad and racing thermo in mine for vegas. Love it, no issues thus far after 2 years.

Later I came across a deal for a Mishimoto radiator and had that installed. I’ve had no issues with my Mishimoto, and I bought it before seeing most recommending the Koyo Radiator over Mishimoto.

In my particular situation I went with the Mishimoto radiator. Idk why it gets so much flak. Had no issues with install and it has been great. Now I use my 8 for autox so I needed the extra cooling. I can say that last weeks event it was 89 degrees out and even after a 2 hour drive and fielding for 4 mins to make my run; my ect was 200.

I do have the Mishimoto triple pass rad but it was similar with the stock one.

Mishimoto is okay but it's fucking massive and requires more disassembly of the front end of the car to stuff it in there.

I just got a Mishimoto radiator for my V35 couoe, it doesn't fit for shit.

I despise those mishi radiators they take up too much space. Makes it hard to do anything on the front of the engine without ripping it out.

Be careful with the early MK8s. Mine is a 2022 and boy howdy she's got issues. Shift knob broke, steering wheel capacitor issues that disable travel assist repeatedly, backup camera failure and others say they have issues with the radiator failing to be fully seated on its clips and causing big problems.